The Banh Mi fad has hit Jersey City with the opening of Rue Viet at 272 Newark Avenue. The fastidiously decorated restaurant has a few tables, but of course Vietnamese sandwiches also make a great take out food.

While Rue Viet seems to have the right goal in mind, the flavors of the above pork belly sandwich were weak and rarified as though the chef was afraid to offend some delicate sensibility. Adding some Sriracha hot sauce helps, but that isn’t the point.

Banh Mi should have flavor all on their own. The sandwich also seemed light on the meat. For now now, Rue Viet provides an alternative to crossing the river, but is not by any means a substitute for a good Banh Mi sandwich.